City Council - Regular Meeting

City of Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 8, 2020, 7:00 PM Mayor Seth Fleetwood Contact: (360) 778-8200, ccmail@cob.org Council Members Hannah Stone, Gene Knutson, Daniel Hammill, www.cob.org/council Pinky Vargas, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist and All meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers at Hollie Huthman 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA, unless otherwise noted. Please note the doors to City Hall unlock at 6:30 PM. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Council President Knutson at 7:00 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance Led by Council Member Vargas. Roll Call Present: Council President Gene Knutson, Second Ward Council Member Hannah Stone, First Ward Council Member Daniel Hammill, Third Ward Council Member Pinky Vargas, Fourth Ward Council Member Lisa Anderson, Fifth Ward Council Member Michael Lilliquist, Sixth Ward Council Member Hollie Huthman, At-Large Announcements & Upcoming Meetings: Bellingham City Council meets all requirements of the State of Washington Open Public Meetings Act. 1. On June 22 and July 6, 2020 in the City Council Chambers (unless either meeting is held remotely), the City Council will consider taking the final action authorizing legal proceedings if necessary to acquire by condemnation certain real property interests for a roadway project. The public notice can be viewed on the City’s website. Council President Knutson, condemned the recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Aubery because of racial discrimination and injustice. The Council is dedicated to equity and vows to uphold their responsibility to community members to address instances of injustice. Council Member Lilliquist spoke about racial injustice persisting in our society. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 1 of 10 6/8/2020 Minutes  Council Member Hammill condemned white men who recently visited downtown businesses with military style weapons to terrorize community members. He urged the Council to look to other legislative bodies, including civil rights law leaders to help change the laws that side with gun rights so that this kind of intimidation is not tolerated. Council Member Vargas thanked the organizers of the peaceful rally that was held last Saturday. She condemned the actions that lead to George Floyd's death. She was touched by testimony given at the rally. Council Member Huthman reflected on racism and urged our institutional leaders to look at ways they can change our policies that promote racism. Council Member Anderson commented that she is supportive of change to eliminate racism. She stated that though she does not know what racism feels like, she knows what it looks like. She is proud of community members that are standing up for social change. Council Member Stone spoke specifically to the death of George Floyd and asked the Council to a observe a moment of silence. Council President Knutson, commended the community in leading the nation to show what a peaceful rally looks like. Almost 8,000 people attended the peaceful gathering in downtown Bellingham's Maritime Heritage Park last Saturday. He has no doubt that we can combine the emotions from that rally to help heal the community. He led the Council in a moment of silence to honor George Floyd. Council Member Stone announced that Chief Bill James of the Lummi Tribe recently passed and read an in memoriam. She led the Council in a moment of silence to honor him. Public Hearing 22025 1. Public Hearing to Consider an Ordinance Extending the Current Moratorium on Change of Use for the Ten Mobile Home Parks in Bellingham Rick Sepler, Planning & Community Development Director, explained that at the last meeting, May 18th, Council agreed to continue the extension of the moratorium that prohibits the change of use for the ten mobile home parks within the City. As required by law, a public hearing is to be held within 60 days of passage of that emergency ordinance on the moratorium. Staff recommends that Council take no action and keep the moratorium in place and has prepared a work program for consideration that was included in the agenda packet. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 2 of 10 6/8/2020 Minutes  Council President Knutson opened the public hearing. Ravi Sekhon, asked a question whether the moratorium was related to COVID-19 and if it was a temporary or a long-term plan for Bellingham manufactured home parks. Rick Sepler explained that the emergency ordinance was put in place because the City is concerned there may be limited options for current residents in the parks. Because it is a more affordable housing options, the City has decided to pause redevelopment in manufactured home parks. The City plans to reach out to both residents and property owners in order to come up with an equitable plan that will provide assurance to all parties as soon as they are able to meet. There being no further comments, the public hearing was closed. The written record will remain open until a final decision, per Resolution #2013-09. The Council did not take any action and the moratorium remains in place. Presentation 22593 1. Update on the COVID-19 Response Mayor Fleetwood thanked Council Member Stone for her in memoriam of Chief Bill James. He introduced speakers that provided a COVID-19 update. David Doll, Police Chief, outlined the objectives of the Unified Command Center. They are currently in their fifth operational period which ends on June 30th. At that time, the Command Center plans to assess whether they need to create a sixth operational period for the entire month of July. They meet twice weekly to assess their objectives. The first objective is ensuring the continuity of city services. The second is provide support and direction to the personnel. That includes providing personnel with the proper equipment, personal protective equipment, and supervision and guidance on policies so they can do their work safely. Third, continuing in partnership with local agencies in providing essential communications to community and personnel. Rick Sepler, Planning and Community Development Director, provided an outline of the phased approach to restarting the economy in our community and entry into Phase 2 of the Safe Start Washington Plan. He shared a chart provided by the State of Washington that gives guidance for what is permitted during the second phase. It is modeled after the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommendations. The City is currently working on developing protocols for Phase 3. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 3 of 10 6/8/2020 Minutes  Erika Lautenbach, Health Department Director, announced that Whatcom County is now in Phase 2. She reinforced that we still need to use precautions and keep our distance in order to keep the case numbers down. The Public Health Advisory Board Task Force that provides employer support has convened meetings with 140 people from 18 different business sectors throughout the County. The Task Force has worked to build guidance documents for businesses to follow. She noted that through Whatcom Unified Command, they have purchased 100,000 disposable masks that will be distributed to local businesses. Nicole Oliver, Interim Parks Director, shared which facilities in city parks are open and what Phase 2 allows. Parks staff will be adding new signs in the parks to remind visitors of health guidelines. They are publishing a summer playbook instead of the usual leisure guide and plan to have it available at the beginning of July. The playbook will outline what types of outdoor recreation options are available at each phase in the parks. The Mayor introduced Darby Cowles, Senior Planner, to provide information on the options from the Business Assistance Team. She explained that her team is working as rapidly as possible to develop a grant program to be available to area businesses. Council Members asked questions of presenters. Mayor's Report Standing time for briefings, updates and reports to Council by the Mayor, if needed. Information only. Mayor Fleetwood reported that there was a record number of people at Saturday's rally that came to Maritime Heritage Park to raise awareness against discrimination. He was very proud to join everyone. He thanked all who joined in solidarity at the protest. Police Chief Doll, offered condolences to the Floyd family and indicated that all those in law enforcement condemn the actions that led to his death. He thanked community members for the peaceful rally that took place last Saturday in Maritime Heritage Park. The Police Department will be looking at their Use of Force policy, civilian oversight and armed civilians in downtown. Use of Force statistics and policy are online. The Department would like to provide an analysis of the Use of Force policy at an upcoming council meeting. The Governor announced today that he would like to create a statewide independent task force that would investigate Use of Force incidents. Chief Doll welcomes the idea of such a task force. Council Members asked questions. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 4 of 10 6/8/2020 Minutes 22645 1. Mayor's Reappointment of Stacee Sledge and Jim Haupt to the Tourism Commission (Information) The Mayor appoints Stacee Sledge and Jim Haupt to their second terms on the Tourism Commission, which will both expire on April 3, 2023, at which time they may be reappointed. Information only. Council Standing Committee Meetings: Committee of the Whole Gene Knutson, Chair Hannah Stone, Daniel Hammill, Pinky Vargas, Lisa Anderson, Michael Lilliquist, Hollie Huthman Please be advised that if the City Council is ahead of schedule, they may start with old/new business before the official Committee of the Whole meeting time. 1. Draft 2021-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Gene Knutson / Daniel Hammill moved final approval of Resolution #2020-19, which includes approval of the draft 2021 - 2026 Transportation Improvement Plan. The first three programs were renamed to Annual Street Pavement Resurfacing Program, Non- Motorized Transportation Improvements, and Climate Plan and WTA Transit Plan. A more thorough explanation of the WTA aspects of project number three has been included in the TIP. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 22646 2. Proposed Emergency Ordinance to Temporarily Waive Certain Permitting Requirements for Short-Term Closures of Residential Streets to Facilitate Outdoor Exercise and Recreation During the COVID-19 Health Crisis Gene Knutson / Daniel Hammill moved approval for third and final reading. Upon motion, said bill was placed on final passage and approved by the following roll call vote: AYES: Knutson, Stone, Hammill, Vargas, Anderson, Lilliquist, Huthman NAYS: (None) EXCUSED: (None) MOTION CARRIED and was thereafter named Emergency Ordinance #2020-06-012. 22647 3. Bid Award for the Library Central Branch Remodel & Renovation Project, Bid #28B-2020 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 5 of 10 6/8/2020 Minutes  Gene Knutson / Daniel Hammill moved to award Bid No. 28B-2020 for the Library Central Branch Remodel & Renovation Project to Tiger Construction as the lowest responsive, responsible bidder and to authorize the Mayor to enter into a contract with them for the amount of their bid, which is $1,413,879.60, which includes any applicable WSST. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 22648 4. An Ordinance Increasing Appropriations and Transferring Funds to Fully Fund the Central Library Refurbishment Gene Knutson / Pinky Vargas moved for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 22649 5. Approval of an Interagency Agreement with the Department of Commerce for CARES Act Funding Gene Knutson / Lisa Anderson moved to recommend approval of an interagency agreement with the Department of Commerce for CARES Act funding. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 22650 6. Resolution Approving an Interlocal Cost Sharing Agreement Between the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County Related to COVID-19 Gene Knutson / Daniel Hammill moved final approval of Resolution #2020-12. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 22651 7. An Ordinance Increasing Appropriations and Estimate Revenues in the General Fund for Relocation of the Drop-in Shelter Gene Knutson / Lisa Anderson moved for first and second reading. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 22616 8. Results of Filter 1 of the Climate Policy Approval Process Results of the first filter for the Climate Policy Approval Process included 145 items and sorted them into one of four tiers. Staff provided information during Committee. No action taken. Information only. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 6 of 10 6/8/2020 Minutes 22652 9. Resolution Authorizing 2020 Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Annual Action Plan Gene Knutson / Michael Lilliquist moved final approval of Resolution #2020-13. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 10. Approval of Minutes Hammill / Anderson moved approval of the afternoon committee meeting minutes of May 18, 2020. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Michael Lilliquist / Daniel Hammill moved approval of the May 18, 2020 minutes of the regular City Council meeting as submitted. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 11. Old/New Business Council Member Stone clarified that the rally that was held last Saturday was a result of people coming together. It was a day of listening and reckoning with an unpleasant situation. She reached out to those who organized the rally and wanted to acknowledge them publicly. The hosts were: Terrance "Teejay" Morris, Australia Hernandez, KeyKey Davis, Eve Marianne, Beth Andrews, Deauna "DeeDee" Davis, Jesi van Leeuwen, Geneva Blake. Speakers and Presenters were: William "Bill" John, Lummi Elder, Nathaniel Gaines, (Negro National Anthem), Vernan Damani Johnson, AnaCecilia "Ceci" Lopez, Terrance “TJ” Adams, Jade (dance), Abdul Malik Ford, Australia Hernandez, Nicholaus “Nick” Lewis, Megan Scott, Taryn Harris (song), Janae Payne, Deidre Smith, Chanan Suarez, Satpal Sidhu, Terrance "Teejay" Morris. Council Member Hammill, acknowledged the work being done by Whatcom Unified Command and the Bellingham Food Bank for the past three months. The Food Bank has worked in connection with Unified Command to distribute and deliver food to the community. He thanked the many volunteers who have helped during this time. Council Member Stone reminded all that in August of last year, the Council brought forth an agenda item called Join Hands Against Hate (AB #22373). It was an initiative to condemn acts of violence against minorities and people of color in the community. She would like to revisit the initiative at an upcoming meeting to discuss possible funding for training for council members. She plans to send out information to council members to identify what training workshops are available and appropriate to attend. In addition, she would like the council to consider an ombudsperson program to City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 7 of 10 6/8/2020 Minutes  specifically serve under the City Council's office. This position would advocate on behalf of anyone who may need help navigating the complaint process. Council Member Vargas noted that tonight the Council approved funds from the CARES Act. She aims for a quick turnaround concerning disbursement of the funds. Council Member Lilliquist thanked Council Member Stone for reminding the Council of an ombudsman position and the need for an oversight body. He added that an oversight body helps to create accountability. Consent Agenda All matters listed on the Consent Agenda are considered routine and/or non-controversial items and may be approved in a single motion. A member of the Council may ask that an item be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately. 22653 1. A Resolution Setting the Date and Time for a Public Hearing Before the Hearing Examiner for Consideration of a Street Vacation Petition for a Portion of Douglas Avenue in the Happy Valley Neighborhood Daniel Hammill / Pinky Vargas moved final approval of Resolution #2020-14. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 22654 2. Resolution Authorizing the City to Apply for and Enter into a Recreation and Conservation Office-Managed Grant for Funding the Little Squalicum Estuary Project (Grant 1 of 3) Daniel Hammill / Pinky Vargas moved final approval of Resolution #2020-15. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 22655 3. Resolution Authorizing the City to Apply for and Enter into a Recreation and Conservation Office-Managed Grant for Funding for the Little Squalicum Estuary Project (Grant 2 of 3) Daniel Hammill / Pinky Vargas moved final approval of Resolution #2020-16. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 22656 4. Resolution Authorizing the City to Apply for and Enter into a Recreation and Conservation Office-Managed Grant for Assisting with the Little Squalicum Estuary Project (Grant 3 of 3) Daniel Hammill / Pinky Vargas moved final approval of Resolution #2020-17. City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 8 of 10 6/8/2020 Minutes  MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 22657 5. Resolution Authorizing the City to Apply for and Enter into a Recreation and Conservation Office-Managed Grant for the Padden Creek at 30th Street Fish Passage Project Daniel Hammill / Pinky Vargas moved final approval of Resolution #2020-18. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. 22658 6. Interlocal Jail Facility Use Agreement 22642 7. WSDOT Agreement for Contribution to the North End Regional Pond (NERP) 22643 8. Authorization of A/P Checks Issued May 1, 2020 22644 9. Authorization of A/P Checks Issued May 8, 2020 22659 10. Authorization of A/P Checks Issued May 15, 2020 22660 11. Authorization of A/P Checks Issued May 22, 2020 22661 12. Authorization of A/P Checks Issued May 29, 2020 22662 13. Authorization of Payroll Labor Cost Payments for the Period Dated April 16 - April 30 22663 14. Authorization of Payroll Labor Cost Payments for the Period Dated May 1 - May 15 Daniel Hammill / Pinky Vargas moved approval of the Consent Agenda in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. Final Consideration of Ordinances 22641 1. An Ordinance Amending the 2019-2020 Biennial Budget Decreasing Appropriations in the General Fund Daniel Hammill / Michael Lilliquist moved approval for third and final reading. Upon motion, said bill was placed on final passage and approved by the following roll call vote: AYES: Knutson, Stone, Hammill, Vargas, Anderson, Lilliquist, Huthman City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 9 of 10 6/8/2020 Minutes  NAYS: (None) EXCUSED: (None) MOTION CARRIED and was thereafter named Ordinance #2020-06-013. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:42 p.m. Gene Knutson, Council President ATTEST: Elisabeth Oakes, Deputy City Clerk APPROVED: 6/22/2020 City of Bellingham Regular City Council Meeting Page 10 of 10 6/8/2020 Minutes